Montana Tech student revives climbing club to build community outdoors
When Montana Tech student Will Kempkes first arrived in Butte, he was surprised to find a lack of an organized climbing community on campus. Given the area’s exceptional bouldering opportunities, he’s now determined to build one.
Kempkes, originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, discovered climbing as a teenager and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
“My senior year of high school, I would wake up, go to school, and then climb for four hours every day,” he said. “It became the thing I loved most.”
When he came to Montana Tech in 2022, Kempkes connected with Butte’s newly opened climbing gym and began meeting other students who shared his interest. That led him to establish the Climbing Club, which quickly grew into a small but dedicated group. Club nights at the gym, especially the free “first Wednesdays,” drew strong student turnout.
After taking a year off to work and gain Montana residency, Kempkes is back on campus this fall and relaunching the club.
“Climbing is something I’m super passionate about, and I like to share that passion with other people,” he said. “I want to prevent the problem I had when I first got here—being interested but not knowing how to get started.”
The club plans to host regular gym meetups, free climb nights in partnership with the climbing gym, and trips to nearby outdoor climbing areas such as Pipestone, a granite-rich bouldering and rope-climbing destination less than 30 minutes from campus. Pipestone is also home to an outdoor bouldering competition, held each September.
For students who have never climbed—or who are nervous about heights—Kempkes says the sport is more accessible than it looks.
“Honestly, the safest way to climb and to learn how to climb is with rope climbing,” he explained. “You’re secure, and it’s a great way to work through that fear. Even a lot of climbers I know don’t love heights, but they love climbing.”
Participation is free, and students don’t need to invest in expensive equipment. The club and climbing gym provide shoes and other gear when needed.
“If you’re just coming to the gym, bring a pair of socks,” Kempkes said with a laugh.
Beyond the physical challenge, he sees climbing as a way to build friendships and create balance in the demanding life of a student.
“It’s a great way to get outdoors and spend time with people,” he said. “Even if you’re not climbing a lot, it’s still fun to hang out, set up a hammock, and be part of the community.”
Kempkes hopes to see the club gain momentum at Montana Tech’s upcoming Club Rush and throughout the school year.
Climbing Club will be recruiting new members at Club Rush, held in the courtyard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 3.